Brides, ninja turtles and pirates were among the keen runners who climbed over diggers and tackled tyre runs in the central city.

The inaugural CBD Stampede was a "huge success", race director John Moore said.

More than 230 contestants took on the 8-kilometre obstacle course through Christchurch's CBD yesterday morning.

The youngest entrant was 13 and the oldest was 64, Moore said.

"They both made it up and over the cargo net . . . everyone had a great time."

Moore said there was a "terrific mix of costumes" and staff had received positive feedback about the event. Runners were challenged by mazes, road barriers, marker cones, cargo nets, cars, containers, tyres and diggers.

"It's a great concept and people never think they would get to climb over diggers and cars so it's really unique."

He said it took a "solid three days" to set the course up. "But it was well worth it."

The event started and ended in Latimer Square with participants going through Re:Start Mall, up Colombo St and into Hagley Park.

The Christchurch event is the first of several CBD Stampedes. Others will be held in Dunedin, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. "It felt right having so many people having fun . . . back in the CBD."

Christchurch man Sam Hall- McMaster finished the race first in just under 35 minutes and won his age category.